At MLA, the process begins with an audiology appointment . The results are reviewed and a Moore assessment is completed to consider whether the audiometric evidence supports the claim. Following a positive outcome, the instructing law firm can then appoint an ENT expert through MLA.

The two main ENT reporting pathways

There are two conventional routes for Military NIHL claims : a remote ENT assessment or an in-person ENT examination. The appropriate route will depend on the evidence, the claimant’s circumstances and whether the expert considers that further clinical assessment is required.

Remote ENT assessment

A remote assessment enables the ENT expert to review the available audiology and supporting evidence without the claimant attending a clinic in person.

Wherever possible, MLA encourages the consultation element to take place by video using a suitable platform, such as Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp or FaceTime. This gives the expert an opportunity to verify the claimant’s identity, speak with them directly and explore their service history, noise exposure and reported symptoms in a more holistic way.

A video consultation also helps establish a clear interaction between the claimant and the expert. This can strengthen confidence in the assessment and reduce the scope for questions about how the claimant’s account was obtained, while retaining the convenience of a remote pathway.

This route may be suitable where the audiological and supporting evidence allows the expert to reach an opinion without a physical examination.

In-person ENT examination

An in-person ENT examination involves a face-to-face clinical consultation, considered alongside the claimant’s audiogram, medical history, reported symptoms and history of noise exposure during military service.

This pathway may be required where the evidence does not provide a sufficiently clear picture, the claimant’s symptoms warrant direct clinical assessment, or the expert considers that an examination is necessary before providing an opinion.

When might further audiological testing be needed?

Military hearing loss claims can involve complex patterns of exposure and symptoms. In some cases, the initial audiogram may not provide a clear enough picture of the extent or nature of the hearing loss, and the ENT expert may recommend further testing.

Cortical Evoked Response Audiometry (CERA) may be considered where an objective assessment of hearing thresholds is required.

Any additional testing should be determined by the expert and the individual circumstances of the claim, rather than applied as a standard stage in every case.

Selecting the appropriate pathway

Choosing the right reporting route helps ensure the ENT expert has the evidence and level of claimant interaction needed to provide a proportionate opinion. It can also help avoid unnecessary appointments, testing and costs.

MLA supports solicitors handling Military NIHL claims with audiology, Moore assessments, specialist testing and access to experienced ENT experts nationwide.

To discuss a Military NIHL instruction and identify the most appropriate reporting pathway, contact Kevin McCarthy today: Kevin.McCarthy@mla-ltd.co.uk